Here we are at the end of NaBloPoMo. As I look back to the beginning, I think I may have gotten off track a little here and there, but kept writing nonetheless. There are several other people who bring me joy that I didn't write about. Like Akasa Wolfsong; Stephanie Darnell, Maithri Goonetilleke, and Queen Dani. Each of them in their own way have shared their truths with me. They have lifted me up when I was down, given me hope and often made me laugh. It's possible that my old friend "grief" has been a common thread in our blog relationships. Each of these big-hearted bloggers has offered his/her own personal grief journey to make a difference for themselves and others. I, for one, have been the recipient of much love and compassion.

Another common theme that all the bloggers I've written about share is their desire to give back to their community and the world. I spent most of this day at a local homeless shelter with some of my writing buddies organizing their library. We collected over 20 BIG boxes of books which seems pretty amazing for a small group like ours. And we had help from our local Panera Bread Company who let us put a collection box in their front lobby. Sorting and shelving books is a lot like sorting underwear, so my hands just picked up where they left off in Oklahoma. When we first looked at the piles we felt a little overwhelmed. But once we took a breath and dove in, there was a real sense of accomplishment as you see the work taking shape. Doing for others, feels good from the top of your head, to your tippy toes.

In the days ahead when you are feeling frantic about buying the right gift for the right person, don't forget to consider donating to charity. It doesn't have quite the same feel as unwrapping a diamond ring, or cashmere sweater, or shiny new bike. But knowing that your money has purchased a goat or chicken to help sustain a whole family is a pretty awesome feeling. And what about making sure people in drought-stricken countries get clean drinking water? Once some friends of mine gave me a Mother's Day gift of a sewing machine for a woman in another country so she could start her own business. I have to say it was one of the best gifts I've ever received. Partly because there was so much love in it, and partly because I know how good it feels to have a sewing machine and turn pieces of fabric into treasures.

Here are a few suggestions, though I'm sure if you look in your own back yard you will find a place to give:

The Wedding Ring Project at Tough Angels: Our goal is to assist in creating safe havens for women and children of violence in developing countries, providing information to educate them about HIV and supporting them in restoring dignity, hope and promoting healing.

Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. By giving families a hand-up, not just a hand-out, we empower them to turn lives of hunger and poverty into self-reliance and hope.

Episcopal Relief and Development

Possible Dreams Internationalempowers rural and remote communities in areas of extreme poverty and/or high disease prevalence by engaging dynamic rural community networks and offering compassionate holistic care in the form of emergency relief and sustainable development solutions.

Episcopal Relief and Development: is an international relief and development agency and a compassionate response to human suffering on behalf of the Episcopal Church of the United States.

The Oaks Indian Mission, by God's grace, partnering with Christian communities and tribal nations prepares Native children to lead and serve.

Bravo Mary! YOU DID IT! Course, I never doubted you one step of the way and I've been here reading all of your writings and each one has touched me in some way.

Thanks for the shout out...but I tell ya, I do for you the same you do for me...so keep looking in the mirror beloved Sister/Friend! :)

I'm sending off a check to One Spirit Food Program in the morning to help those on the Pine Ridge Reservation...they really need our help...most of the Elders take in grandchildren plus other family members and making ends meet, or even getting food in to them is very difficult in the winter months along with heating and clothing needs. It will make my heart happy to help.

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Love that Man of Mine

Mary;

Quite likely you won't ever know just how many people will benefit from your loving kindness. Probably in such matters we aren't supposed to know. But remember this; if you've touched one other person who touches one other person eventually the entire planet will bask in LOVE.

Tears of joy may be God's way of washing away the "sorrow wrinkles," while growing smiles.

Love you, jack

9/16/10

A Little Bird Told ME ....

Dear Sensitive Girl,

Your soul is whispering something to you. Slow down so you can hear it.

You know what do to.....your heart is smart, and it is telling you in a million different ways. You can trust it.

You know exactly what to do....you really do. Listen to those whispers....they are leading you toward all that isgood and right for YOUR life.

You are so brave, you are so wonderful, and you are so on track. Keep it up.xoxo